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How do I know if I am infected

People who have a sexually transmitted infection sometimes get symptoms to show that something is wrong. But often they don’t.

Some warning signs to look for are:

  • An unusually thick or watery, cloudy or smelly discharge from the vagina (not to be confused with the normal slight discharge which all women have)

  • A discharge from the penis

  •  Itching, rashes, sores, blisters or pain in the genital area

  • A pain or burning sensation when you pass urine

  • Urinating more than usual

  • Pain during sex.

But remember:

  • Sometimes there are no symptoms
  • Symptoms may not appear for months
  • Symptoms may disappear when there is still infection
  • You can have more than one sexually transmitted infection at a time.

Untreated sexually transmitted infections can cause serious and permanent damage. Get yourself checked out straight away if you have any of the symptoms listed above or if you think your current or a recent partner has an infection.

Go to your own GP or any NHS sexual health clinic, often called STD (sexually transmitted disease) or GUM (genito-urinary medicine) clinic.

What if I don’t have treatment?

Some sexually transmitted infections can cause permanent damage to your health if left untreated.

They can cause:

In women

  • Pelvic pain which may recur throughout life.
  • Damage to the fallopian tubes (the tubes which carry the eggs from your ovaries to your womb). This may lead to an ectopic pregnancy, when the fertilised egg begins to grow in the fallopian tube or outside it, rather than in the womb.
  • Infertility.

In men

  • Inflammation (pain and swelling) of the testes.
  • Inflammation of joints and eyes. (Women may also experience this.)
  • Reduced fertility.